When you want to enjoy a nice day out at the beach, why not bring your dog with you? Sure, not all beaches allow dogs, but many of them do; it all comes down to finding the right spots. And the good news? California offers plenty of scenic dog friendly beaches that you can choose from.
Whether you’re in Northern California or closer to the Southern region of the state, this guide has you covered. We take you through the best dog friendly beaches in California.
The Best Dog Friendly Beaches in California
There are dozens of dog friendly beaches in California. For this reason, it’s important to choose the right option based on your needs. To help you make the right choice, we cover the best dog friendly beaches in California below.
Dog Beach
Right out of the gate, it’s tough to beat a place called Dog Beach. You’re looking at a 1.5-mile stretch of sandy beach with a great view of the coast in Huntington Beach. Canines are allowed to be off-leash in some regions, and they can roam free with other dogs, play, and enjoy the weather.
This makes it one of the best dog friendly beaches for socialization, and there are even doggie bags and fountains for easy cleanup.
Rosie’s Dog Beach
If we’re writing about the best dog beaches in California, it’s hard to do that without bringing up Los Angeles. Whether you’re a resident or out for the day, you have to give Rosie’s Dog Beach a shot. This beach has more than four acres of space available, and it’s all off-leash for dogs who want to run around, play with other dogs, and explore their environment.
Rosie’s Dog Beach is also people-friendly. You’ll find plenty of paved bike paths, places to surf, and other amenities, like food and beverages. This gives Rosie’s Dog Beach the whole package.
Carmel Beach
Does your dog love to jump in the water and play? Or do they love running around with dogs and people in the sand? If so, it’s worth a trip to Carmel Beach in California. At this dog beach, pups and people get to share the same spaces, and this maximizes off-leash potential and socialization. There are also some great food places and dog-friendly options on and around the beach to bring your pup for a treat.
Carmel Beach is also great for people. Not only does it have a great view of the Pacific, but it also has walking paths, great waves for surfing, and great vibes.
Moonstone Beach
Now, Northern California might not have the most impressive beaches, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have any options. In fact, the terrain is built for adventure, exploration, and wanderlust. This is where Moonstone Beach comes into play; one of the best options in Northern California. While it’s not along the Pacific and functions as more of a hiking destination, there is a pocket of beachy sand near the river.
And the best part? It’s all dog friendly and there’s plenty to do. There are caves to swim through, rocks to climb, and trails to walk. You’ll also find great dining spots and plenty of places to spend some time after you’re all tuckered out.
Del Mar Dog Beach
Located near the coast of Southern California, Del Mar Dog Beach is a great place to bring your dog. It’s also known as North Beach, and dogs can run around off-leash and play near the mouth of the San Dieguito River. Off-leash season begins September 9th and runs to June 15th, so you need to make sure you time this one right.
That said, during the peak season, this beach offers everything you could ask for from a dog friendly beach. Plus, there is plenty of parking, portable restrooms, and water fountains for people.
Experience the Best Dog Friendly Beaches in California
When it comes to dog friendly beaches in California, all of the options we covered here are great. However, there are plenty of additional options out there for you to explore, so don’t limit yourselves to the ones we covered today.
And if you don’t have a canine companion to bring with you just yet, don’t worry, because Dog Academy makes finding dogs to adopt in California a breeze. After all, you can’t enjoy a dog friendly beach without a canine companion, right?
